Page 44 of Arrogant Heir
I can tell he thinks he’s being humble and offering me the world. My wounded ego swells at his words. My heart still hurts. I love him, but I don’t know if I can forgive him. Besides, he’s not offering me anything more than before we got engaged.
‘When does the contract end?’ He asks, clearly emboldened by my silence.
‘Not yet,’ I say. ‘There’s still work to do.’
‘Break it, JJ. I’ll pay any fees or give you the difference if you’re doing it for the money.’
I swallow a wave of emotion. ‘That’s kind of you to offer, but I don’t break contracts.’ The unspoken words—like you—linger between us.
‘Okay, do what you like,’ he says. He’s angry and defensive again.
‘I will,’ I snap. ‘I’m a free agent now. I don’t know what you think is going on, but I’m having a great time working here. Got my own cottage and I’ve finally been writing my debut novel in the evenings. I’ll come home when the contract is over.’
‘Your mum called me,’ he says. ‘She’s worried about you, too.’
I’m silent while I digest this piece of unexpected news. She must be worried to reach out given how cross she was at him.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll call her this afternoon.’
‘They’re portraying you as this Rochester guy’s live-in girlfriend,’ he sputters.
‘Yes, I saw.’
‘Doesn’t it bother you?’
‘There are worst things than being associated with a handsome billionaire, so no, not really,’ I say. Somehow, the words emerge and I’m surprised not to have any regrets.
‘I don’t understand what’s going on with you. You’ve changed! They’re writing about you as if he cheated on you and making you out as a fool.’
I’m still gripped by a whirl of emotion and am in no mood to let him off lightly. He’s had it easy until now, and I’ve had enough. ‘Well, they’re not wrong, are they? I am a fool for believing in us. I must go now. I’ve got to work,’ I say. I’m relieved that no tears flow. I just feel hollow.
‘JJ,’ he appeals. ‘Don’t be like that. This isn’t the real you—so hard and cold.’
‘I’ve got to go. Bye,’ I say.
My hands are shaking as I reach the cottage after marching around the pond several times while we talked.
The phone rings again. ‘Darling. Are you okay?’ Chatting with my mum for a while, I do my best to smooth the situation over.
She’s appalled by what she’s read in the papers about Damian and also asks when I’m coming home. ‘I have to work, Mum,’ I say. ‘Everything is fine. You know they say not to believe everything you read in the papers. Damian is a good guy, and it’s just a simple misunderstanding. The media are out for his blood because he’s a big story.’
I’m grateful I didn’t tell her about our initial misunderstanding when I thought he was a sexist playboy, or she’d be even more suspicious.
I laugh at the ridiculous situation and tell myself that now I know better.
He’s not sexist. Just a hottie who I find difficult to resist…
I wish I didn’t like him so much. I won’t saylovebecause that’s just plain silly. You can’t fall in love with someone that quickly—especially someone you didn’t even like when you met.
Can you?
I don’t understand what’s going on with me, and I continue my internal dialogue.
Do I have some kind of need to fix a broken man?
No—he’s not broken.
Beneath his prickly surface, he’s whole and wonderful. It’s not about fixing a broken man, but more about polishing a damaged rock to reveal a sparkling diamond.